Empowering the next generation: Shortlisted for the Manufacturing Awards 2026
Category: General
Published: 09/09/2026
We’re delighted to have been named on the Make UK Manufacturing Awards shortlist for the developing future talent award – in the North West region.
Held regionally across Midlands & East, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, South, Wales and the North West, the awards bring together manufacturers, providing an opportunity to connect with peers, build new relationships and recognise the successes shaping our industry.
Following what was described as a ‘rigorous judging process’, we’re pleased to have been identified as a standout manufacturer from hundreds of entries. To be shortlisted in the developing future talent category demonstrates the significant efforts we’ve made to build internal skills, champion diversity and promote a range of manufacturing and engineering careers through our integrated workforce development strategy.
The strategy was developed after we recognised three challenges that would impact on our ability to remain competitive and sustainable, which were:
- A shrinking pool of skilled trades and industry experience available through external recruitment
- Limited awareness and perception of manufacturing careers among young people
- The need to futureproof skills in line with evolving technologies and customer expectations
Our aim was to move from reactive hiring to a proactive, self-sustaining talent model that allows development and progression to build a strong and committed workforce. To achieve this, we developed our strategy around three core pillars:
1. Growing high-quality apprenticeships, aligned to business-critical skills
2. Proactively engaging schools and colleges, to promote engineering careers
3. Creating defined internal career pathways, to retain and develop talent
We’re proud that our workforce development strategy has been implemented through a structured business-led approach that aligns with operational priorities as well as embedding long-term cultural change. This has resulted in increased apprentice recruitment with high completion and retention rates, with many apprentices moving into skilled roles. We’ve also expanded our school engagement programme.
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About The Author
Internationally renowned boiler specialists, Cochran UK have been manufacturing, supplying and maintaining industrial boilers for over 135 years.